florida boat titles?

[bcraigan]

I'm dealing with a potential boat purchase from Florida. Does florida title outboards? Also, if a used boat is purchased from a dealer, is there a title involved? If I purchase, it's from an individual that purchased from a dealer and there's a lost title in the mix.

[phatdaddy]

do not buy a boat that is registered in fl without a title. i don't care what the dealer tells you. fl is a TITLE state, a bill of sale is no good. fl does not title outboard motors, boats & trailers only. if SC is not a title state & will accept a bill of sale from a fl registered boat without a title, no problem. i would ask the authorities in SC first. the only way you can get a current title is to get the last registered owner( the fl numbers follow the boat) to apply for a lost title & then get them to transfer it to you.

[THEFERMANATOR]

All boats in FLORIDA have a title unless it is a designated dinghy or raft. Outboards are not titled as stated. Trailers under 2k pounds dod not have a title, but there must be a registration on file with the DMV for the serial number on it or it mustr be listed as a homebuilt and will be assigned a serial number by the FL DMV. Lost titles are a semi tricky subject as well, but with a little work you can track it down. The problem comes in though if the boat was sold without a title transfer and then the title is lost. If this happens then you must get the last registered owner to file for a lost title and then go through the transfer process. If the last owner is deceased then his next of kin or estate receiver can sign the title so long as they have the proof of ownership or transfer. If the last owner died with no next of kin or such then you are SOL!

[bcraigan]

Thanks guys! South carolina does not title trailers, but does outboards, and will accept a bill of sale with the outboards, but the boat I fear is going to be much trickier. I'm supposed to talk them this morning and find out a little more about it. Thanks again. Much needed information.

[spareparts]

if there is anything fishy, or if you think the boat may have been registered in SC, call the DNR title office and have them run the numbers, make sure there is no old bagage tied to them. On the motor, have a bill of sale, take pictures of the serial number tag on the transom bracket, and of the welch plug on the power head, make sure they match, print out the pics, take them to the title office with you. I've found with the Ft. Johnson office down here, if you have all your paper work in order, have pics documenting the id of the motor, then it usually goes smooth. Don't try to pull any thing tricky, if in doubt, tell them the truth. A relative of mine is a DNR investigator, he's one of the ones that checks up on the questionable titiling, he's told me some stories about some of the stupid things people have tried to pull. He told me, if they are upfront and honest about it, he will do what he can to help, if they lie to him, they are going to get cited, fined, and still not have a clear title

[bcraigan]

There was enough fishy that I just couldn't pursue it anymore. Seemed to be a nice boat etc.. but not as sweet as some of you guys set ups. I just have a hard time dealing with anyone that doesn't have a title in hand or at least had the title and can get a replacement at dnr.. Thanks again everyone!

[randlemanboater]

There are so many good boats out there right now with good paperwork, better to not take any chances with a shady deal.

Not sure, but is your boat for sale??

Thanks,

John

[bcraigan]

If that was directed at me, no, i've got a lot of plans for mine, and am actually looking at getting another to use while I work on mine... May sell mine after I do some work to it but couldn't sell it right now... You get attached to these things pretty fast...

Would it look bad to have more v's in the yard than cars?